Oatmeal is a go-to staple food when it comes to breakfast. You might probably find it bland occasionally, but with the right amount of strawberries, bananas, nuts, and any other fruits on its side or top, this cereal dish should sure turn into a hearty and decadent meal.
I have this annoying habit of making more than I can eat within a day or two–making me worry about how to reheat steel-cut oats while maintaining its heavenly taste and texture even though it’s no longer fresh.
If you’re like me, then you’re in for a treat! Today, I’m going to discuss some of the smartest tricks and tips on reheating oatmeal, and you’re going to learn them all now!
Table Of Contents
- 1 Can you make oatmeal in advance?
- 2 Can you reheat cooked oatmeal?
- 3 Can you reheat baked oatmeal?
- 4 Will reheating oatmeal change the texture?
- 5 How to reheat oatmeal in the microwave
- 6 How to reheat oatmeal on the stovetop
- 7 How to reheat oatmeal in the oven
- 8 How long will cooked oatmeal last in the fridge?
- 9 Can you freeze oatmeal?
- 10 Tips on preparing oatmeal for the week ahead
- 11 The bottom line
- 12 How to reheat oatmeal in the microwave
Can you make oatmeal in advance?
Definitely yes! Whether it’s steel-cut oats, old-fashioned, or quick oats, it’s possible to make your favorite porridge in advance and reheat it the next day.
In case your morning schedule is always hectic, then you might consider using quick-cooking oats. If you’re making one portion in advance, all you need to do is follow the package’s instructions.
Combine your oats with the right amount of water before leaving them to soak in the fridge overnight. In the morning, put it in a microwaveable container and microwave the mixture for one to two minutes until it’s boiled and fully cooked.
If you prefer cooking it on the stovetop, then make sure to stir the mixture now and then for about 30 seconds.
In case you’re making oatmeal for the week, I suggest dividing them into portions in an airtight container. You can enjoy them for up to five days when stored properly in the fridge or for up to three months when you put the mixture in the freezer.
Can you reheat cooked oatmeal?
My answer is it depends. If you properly store them, then reheating oatmeal is possible. But if you let your leftover oatmeal sit out all night at room temperature, then warming them up isn’t the best thing to do. Keep in mind that cooked oatmeal needs to be stored in an airtight container at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the fridge to reduce its spoilage.
Can you reheat baked oatmeal?
The answer is yes–reheating baked oatmeal is fine. You can either warm oatmeal using a microwave or a stovetop after being properly stored in the fridge or the freezer. Reheating your favorite porridge in the microwave is faster and easier than the stovetop. Just be careful to do it properly, or you’ll end up having gooey oatmeal.
Will reheating oatmeal change the texture?
Your oatmeal changes its texture and becomes thicker since it soaks up the liquid while cooking and cooling down.The golden rule is the longer you store the mixture in the fridge, the more liquid it absorbs, and its texture continues to alter. By this, it’s advisable to add water or milk to the mixture when you plan to reheat it so you can obtain that smooth and creamy porridge you always wanted.
How to reheat oatmeal in the microwave
There are different ways to reheat cold oatmeal, and one of the easiest methods is using a microwave. Here’s how to reheat oatmeal in the microwave.
- Put the stored oatmeal inside a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add a splash of water or milk to the mixture if you want to have that creamier texture.
- Cover the bowl and put the mixture in the microwave for every 30 seconds.
- Remove it from the oven and stir after each duration so you can make sure that the oatmeal reheats evenly.
- Repeat the process with constant stirring until it’s fully heated.
How to reheat oatmeal on the stovetop
If you have a bad experience reheating oatmeal in the microwave and you’re looking for an alternative warming method, then consider doing it using a stovetop!Here’s how you can reheat oatmeal using a stovetop.
- Add the pre-cooked oatmeal to a put.
- Make sure to keep the temperature on low to medium heat
- Simmer it for five minutes until it’s fully heated.
Quick tip: You can include some liquid of your choice for a creamy texture.
It’s possible to reheat oatmeal in the oven, but take note, this process is quite time-consuming. Here’s how to do it.
- Put your oatmeal into an oven-safe baking dish.
- Add a splash of milk or water to the mixture.
- Cover it with foil, then bake the oatmeal at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
How long will cooked oatmeal last in the fridge?
When properly stored, your cooked oatmeal can last up to five days in the fridge, or you can enjoy them for up to three months when you put the mixture in the freezer.
Can you freeze oatmeal?
Yes, you can freeze oatmeal! Sliding cooked oatmeal into the freezer is the best way to prevent the mixture from spoiling and maximize its shelf life. If properly executed, cooked oatmeal is usable for up to three months. For your reheating convenience, make sure to separate the mixture into individual portions if you’re planning to store a large batch of it.
Tips on preparing oatmeal for the week ahead
If you want to prepare oatmeal for the week ahead, then better follow these tips I have on hand!Cook a large batch of oatmeal you prefer. Take note that your oatmeal’s cooking time varies depending on the types of oats you’re preparing. Typically, quick oats can be cooked in a minute, while old-fashioned oats need to be cooked in about five minutes. Meanwhile, steel-cut oats and oat groats take 45 minutes of cooking until it’s fully cooked. Once done, allow the mixture to cool at room temperature. Separate the cooked oatmeal and put them into a small airtight container. Make sure to follow this method for your reheating convenience. If you’re fed up eating plain oatmeal, then try topping them with fried eggs, fresh or dried fruits, and nuts for a crunchy bite.
The bottom line
Warming up oatmeal is as easy as 123 as long as you know the proper methods of reheating them. Now that you’re reading this article, I’m confident that you’re able to master the art of reheating your favorite porridge and that you’re ready anytime of the day!
Among the three reheating methods, which one’s your favorite? Share it in the comments below!
Ingredients
- Cooked or leftover oatmeal
- Milk or water
- Microwave oven
- Foil
Instructions
- Put your oatmeal into an oven-safe baking dish.
- Add a splash of milk or water to the mixture.
- Cover it with foil, then bake the oatmeal at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.